As for where it ranks on the emotional canine-story scale, Ishould note I was always too scared to watch "Marley & Me," because I was concerned for my own boxer's health around the time it came out. But whereas "Marley" was a sad dog movie disguised as a Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson rom-com, "The Art of Racing" (in theaters now). doesn't pretend to be anything other than a pet lover's saga.

And unlike “A Dog’s Journey," the movie franchise that pet lovers have already watched through wet eyes, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” feels like a more earned tearjerker. It doesn’t deliver sobs by repeatedlykilling and reincarnating dogs, and it doesn’t give its canine star the unfunny inner monologue of a 4-year-old.

Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) is a wise golden retriever who narrates his life with Denny (Kevin Costner).(Photo: DOANE GREGORY/20TH CENTURY FOX FILM)

It's through Enzo's wise words that this movie wrecks you. I’m not talking a single tear; I mean full-on sobbing. (Though the movie didn't quite reach the pillow-soaked level of hysterics brought on by Netflix's documentary series "Dogs," which, in its first episode, follows a young girl with epilepsy who meets her service dog.)

Even when I watch Enzo run through the rain in the trailer, I almost tear up. Can you imagine what sitting through the movie was like for me?

Well, I'll tell you. Here's a breakdown of how the 110-minute movie went on a sniffle-to-sob scale.

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Seriously, this is your final warning: Stop reading now if you don't want to know what happens.

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15 minutes in: Choked up, clutching tissues

At the beginning of the movie, we see an old, feeble Enzo. His story is told as a flashback, starting when Denny first picks him out of a litter. The pup quickly bonds with his human over a shared love of fast cars, and becomes something of a pit dog at the racetrack Denny frequents.

Years pass. Enzo is no longer a puppy, and he isn't too keen on Denny spending time with a new woman, Eve (Amanda Seyfried).

“You don’t mind if I love him, too?” Eve eventually asks the pooch. Enzo might mind a bit, but he makes the most beautiful ring bearer at their wedding, regardless. I can't stand it.

Denny (Milo Ventimiglia) and Eve (Amanda Seyfried) get married with the help of ring-bearing dog Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner).(Photo: DOANE GREGORY/20TH CENTURY FOX)

30 minutes in: My face contorts to some ugly sob shape

When Denny and Eve welcome their first child, Enzo gets a little human sister, Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong). “When she would tell her playmates that I was her big brother, my heart would swell with pride,” Enzo says. I feel a lump in my throat growing. It hurts.

50 minutes in: I’m trying to stifle a sniffle

And then the happy throat lump becomes a sad one: Things start to get extremely depressing.

Eve has a terminal illness. Enzo stays awake all night to watch over her, but can't protect her. Eve dies, and Enzo tries to distract Zoe with a toy. She rebuffs him, and so the dog focuses on a grieving Denny.

“It would fall to me to provide what he needed,” the thoughtful pooch says as he approaches his master, leash in mouth. The best boy.

Enzo's family celebrates the birthday of little girl Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) in "The Art of Racing in the Rain."(Photo: DOANE GREGORY/20TH CENTURY FOX)

1 hour in: First full tear falls down my face

At this point, the movie has combined many dramatic elements that could be tear-inducing on their own: sickness, a child coming of age, a dog being eternally loyal and then, the finisher, the dog being hit by a car. It’s all too much and now some saltwater has finally escaped my eyeball. Woof.

At least Enzo survives the accident. For a while.

1 hour, 30 minutes: Now I’m straight-up sobbing

As the movie starts heading toward the dying-dog portion of the story, there’s no more time for polite solitary tears. Now I’m running out of tissue space for the mascara that’s cascading down my cheeks. Let it rain!

1 hour, 45 minutes: I’m almost hiccuping now

Enzo is a race-car driver at heart. Here, he gets a joy ride with Denny (Milo Ventimiglia).(Photo: DOANE GREGORY/20TH CENTURY FOX)

It’s gotten to the point where I’m trying not to take involuntary cry-breaths. I scrunch my face in an effort to stay as quiet as possible as tears leak out of my eyes and – this is new – nose.

The ending, which hints that Enzo has been reincarnated as a boy who loves racing, is outrageously corny, but I don't care. I watch it and cry harder.

Minutes later, I feel relief. As though I have been purged of stress. I feel calm. Hours later, my eyes sting from having done so much crying.

Full disclosure: I’m writing this while petting my friend’s golden retriever. (Did I invite myself over and invite the dog to rest on my lap as I type? Yes, yes I did.) Also: I first read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” right after my dog died. Could that mean I feel more of an emotional connection to the story than the average film fan? Perhaps; results may vary.

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What are the most popular dogs in America? 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the American Kennel Club to identify the 100 most popular breeds in the United States. Scroll through to learn more. Nataba / Getty Images

100. Spaniels (Boykin) • The Boykin spaniel is named after L.W. “Whit” Boykin, who created the breed in the early 1900s to hunt ducks and wild turkeys in South Carolina’s swampy terrain. Conditions there required a rugged dog that could retrieve birds on land and water and could fit in a small boat. The Boykin spaniel became the official state animal of South Carolina in 1985. BestSide / Getty Images

99. Lagotti Romagnoli • Lagotti Romagnoli (singular: Lagotto Romagnolo) were originally bred as waterfowl retrievers but have become best known for truffle hunting because of their fabulous sense of smell. They have a curly coat that is more like human hair than fur. Entheta / Wikimedia Commons

98. Brussels Griffons • The Brussels griffon is an affectionate breed with big black eyes and a beard. It has a noisy bark and makes a good watchdog, despite its small stature — it’s typically less than 10 inches tall and weighs less than 15 pounds. It has a long life expectancy of up to 15 years. CaptureLight / Getty Images

95. Keeshonden • The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a fox-like face and markings and shadings around the eyes that resemble spectacles. It is cute, friendly and excels as a therapy dog. bruev / Getty Images

94. English Setters • The English setter’s name says it all — it was bred in England by country gentlemen who crossed spaniels and pointers to create a breed that would “set” — or crouch low — after finding game birds. English setters have a unique speckled coat pattern that can include such colors as orange and lemon. JaneFaizullin / Getty Images

93. Leonbergers • Leonbergers are large and powerful dogs that can weigh as much as 170 pounds, but they have a gentle and playful temperament. The breed is named after the German city of Leonberg, where the breed originated. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

92. Pekingese • The Pekingese was bred to be a small enough lapdog for Chinese royalty to fit inside the huge sleeves of ancient Chinese garments. Even so, it was used as a guard dog. The Pekingese is a survivor — one of the two dogs to escape the Titanic was a Pekingese named Sun Yat-sen. DevidDO / Getty Images

91. Flat-Coated Retrievers • The flat-coated retriever is one of six retriever breeds recognized by the AKC. It was first bred in Britain in the mid-19th century and was known as the “gamekeeper’s dog” because of its widespread use on estates. It is not just distinguished by its lustrous coat, but also by its long head, which is unique among retrievers. s5iztok / Getty Images

90. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs • As their name suggests, Anatolian shepherds originated in the Asian part of Turkey, where they were used to guard livestock. They were brought to the United States after World War II to work on ranches. Bilgehan Tuzcu / Getty Images

88. Border Terriers • The border terrier was bred to hunt foxes in the rugged terrain of the English-Scottish border. It is a very active and tough breed with a weather-resistant coat. It adapts well to city life as long as it gets lots of exercise. CaptureLight / Getty Images

87. Basenjis • The basenji originated in Africa and is one of the oldest dog breeds. That said, it has some un-doglike characteristics — it doesn’t bark and it grooms itself like a cat. The Basenji is good with children, but can also be aloof. Yurikr / Getty Images

85. American Staffordshire Terriers • The American Staffordshire terrier, also known as the AmStaff, is considered a bull type and is bigger than its British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It is naturally playful and has a stubborn streak that can make it difficult to train. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

84. Bouviers des Flandres • Bouvier des Flandres translates as “cowherd of Flanders,” but it’s a versatile breed and has been employed as a watchdog and to pull carts. The dog is large and powerful, and it has a weatherproof coat, a beard and moustache. Liete / iStock

83. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers • The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is the smallest AKC retriever at 18 to 21 inches for males, and 17 to 20 inches for females. It was first bred in the 19th century in the Little River District of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. Tolling refers to its distinctive method of luring waterfowl to within the range of the hunters. Another distinctive feature is its crimson coat. Anna-av / Getty Images

81. Coton de Tulear • The coton de Tulear is also known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.” Coton is the French word for cotton, which the breed’s white coat resembles, and Tulear is a town in Madagascar. Coton de Tulear is a companion dog, an AKC designation that certifies a dog is able to perform obedience tasks. It is small but sturdy, with an expressive face and a hypoallergenic coat. Bigandt_Photography / iStock

80. Staffordshire Bull Terriers • Bull terriers were originally bred in England for the cruel sport of bull-baiting, and this breed was particularly popular in the county of Staffordshire, hence the name. They were brought to America in the mid-19th century, where the AmStaff was then bred. dageldog / Getty Images

79. Chinese Crested • The Chinese crested is a toy dog with a distinctive hairdo that gives it its name. It is an affectionate dog with some cat-like traits — it likes to sit in high places. It’s also popular in movies. Kate Hudson had a Chinese crested in “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days,” and the Olsen twins had one in “New York Minute.” Africa Studio / Shutterstock

78. Giant Schnauzers • The giant schnauzer is a larger and stronger version of the standard schnauzer and can weigh as much as 95 pounds. It was developed in the Bavarian Alps in the mid-19th century to drive cattle from farm to market. It has also been used as a military and police dog. Konoplytska / Getty Images

77. Irish Setters • Irish setters are famous for their fine red coats, their grace and speed. These dogs thrive on human companionship and get along well with children and other dogs. They like vigorous exercise and lots of it. s5iztok / Getty Images

76. Irish Wolfhounds • As its name suggests, the Irish wolfhound was used to hunt wolves, which it did very successfully — there haven’t been any wolves in Ireland for hundreds of years. You need space to have an Irish wolfhound as a pet as it’s the tallest of all AKC breeds and can weigh as much as 180 pounds. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

75. Chow Chows • The chow chow is a member of the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group and does fine without a lot of exercise. Its deep-set eyes give it a serious look. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, black and blue. The chow chow is one of two AKC registered breeds with a unique blue-black tongue, the other being the Chinese shar-pei. IgnatenkoAleksey / Getty Images

74. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs • The greater Swiss mountain dog is descended from war dogs brought across the Alps by Julius Caesar’s armies, but it was only fully recognized by the AKC in 1995. It is a large, powerful working dog. It needs regular exercise and does not cope well with hot weather. Anzze86 / Getty Images

73. Italian Greyhounds • The Italian greyhound is a miniature version of its relative the greyhound. The ancient breed was popular with European royalty and is featured in numerous Renaissance paintings. It’s a sighthound — as opposed to a scenthound — and will pursue fast-moving prey. stelo / Getty Images

72. Old English Sheepdogs • The old English sheepdog is famous for its shaggy double coat and has been immortalized in Disney films such as “The Shaggy Dog” and “101 Dalmatians.” The coat is warm and waterproof and allows the dog to blend in with the sheep it herds. The old English sheepdog makes a great pet, but it requires a lot of grooming. radarreklama / Getty Images

71. Lhasa Apsos • The Lhasa apso is an ancient breed from Tibet, where it served as a companion and watchdog in isolated monasteries. It can be cute, mischievous and deeply devoted — and remains frolicsome even as an adult. VKarlov / Getty Images

70. Miniature Pinschers • Known as the “King of Toys,” the miniature pinscher is small and athletic and has a big dog personality. Despite its size, it makes a good watchdog. Because of the shared name, it’s sometimes mistakenly assumed to be a miniature Doberman pinscher. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

69. Cairn Terriers • The cairn terrier originated in Scotland, where it was used to catch vermin. (A cairn is a pile of rocks, and a natural habitat for rodents and other small creatures.) In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s dog Toto is a cairn terrier. GlobalP / Getty Images

68. Cardigan Welsh Corgis • The Cardigan Welsh corgi looks a lot like its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh corgi, but doesn’t have a tail. It is fond of children and gets on well with other pets. The Cardigan Welsh corgi does require some special care as it can get overweight easily. volofin / Getty Images

67. Dogues de Bordeaux • Dogue is French for “mastiff,” and this is a big, muscular breed with a massive head. While it is not aggressive, it is not great with other dogs. Dogue de Bordeaux was featured in the 1989 Tom Hanks movie “Turner and Hooch” but was not recognized by the AKC until 2008. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

66. Great Pyrenees • The Great Pyrenees is a strikingly beautiful breed. However, because it was bred as a guard dog it requires careful training and socialization or it can become aggressive. The Great Pyrenees needs a lot of exercise and has a tendency to bark a lot. schubbel / Shutterstock.com

65. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons • The griffon is a medium-sized gundog — trained by hunters to collect game — with a wiry coat and a pointing instinct, which give it its name. It is a very good swimmer, helped by its webbed toes, and retriever. cynoclub / Getty Images

64. Chinese Shar-Pei • Shar-pei have some very distinctive characteristics, including a rough coat and folds of wrinkled skin. They are intelligent but stubborn and need to be trained at an early age. Unfortunately, shar-pei are prone to a range of health conditions, including allergic skin disease, eye disorders and various bone and joint problems. Ljupco / Getty Images

63. German Wirehaired Pointers • The German wirehaired pointer is somewhat bigger than its close relative, the German shorthaired pointer. A dependable hunting dog, its coat provides protection from rough terrain and bad weather. As a pet it needs a lot of exercise. Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

62. Bull Terriers • Although bull terriers were originally bred for the cruel sport of bull-baiting, they are now regarded as lovable and entertaining companions. They have distinctive egg-shaped heads and piercing eyes. McAndy / Getty Images

61. Whippets • The whippet looks like a small greyhound and is almost as fast — it has been called “The Poor Man’s Racehorse.” Despite its energy level, it does fine as an apartment pet, as long as it gets regular exercise. City dwellers will be pleased to know whippets don’t bark that often and require little maintenance. BiancaGrueneberg / Getty Images

60. Airedale Terriers • The Airedale is known as “The King of Terriers” because of its versatility. It is the largest of all terrier breeds, with males standing 23 inches at the shoulder. The animal excels as a hunter, herder, guardian, athlete and family dog. bruev / Getty Images

59. Samoyeds • The Samoyed originated in Siberia, where it was used to hunt and herd reindeer, as a watchdog, and to pull sleds. Its thick white coat provides protection against the harshest conditions. bruev / Getty Images

58. Alaskan Malamutes • The Alaskan malamute, the official dog of the largest U.S. state, is named after the Mahlemut people of Alaska, a native Inuit tribe whose remoteness helped preserve the purity of this ancient dog breed. Malamutes are true working dogs and have been used to pull sleds, hunt seals and protect people from bears. They are also friendly, loyal and make great pets. Vivienstock / Getty Images

57. Scottish Terriers • The Scottie, steadfast and loyal, is thought to be the oldest of the Highland terriers and may be the oldest dog indigenous to Britain. Although it’s in the bottom half of our list, it has been incredibly popular with famous people. Owners of Scotties have included Humphrey Bogart, Charles Lindbergh, Franklin Roosevelt and Shirley Temple. CaptureLight / Getty Images

56. Dalmatians • The Dalmatian is known for its spotted coat, although puppies are born without spots. It has a unique AKC designation — coach dog — as it was used to accompany and guard horse-drawn coaches. The breed has been known to generations of children as the star of the Dodie Smith book and Walt Disney film adaptation “101 Dalmatians.” DoraZett / Getty Images

55. Australian Cattle Dogs • The Australian cattle dog is known for its agility. Bred to herd animals many times its size, it is not easily intimidated. The animal needs a lot of exercise — more than a daily walk — and mental stimulation. If not given enough to do it will not be happy. Carmelka / Getty Images

54. Papillons • This toy dog is named for the shape of its ears — “papillon” is French for butterfly. It was developed during the Renaissance by crossing other toy breeds with spaniels. It became popular with royalty and was featured in portraits by Rembrandt, Rubens and other famous artists. FaST_9 / Getty Images

53. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers • This sturdy terrier originated in Ireland, where it was used as an all-around farm dog. It has a soft coat that comes in various wheat-like shades and a lot of facial hair. RangerRon / Getty Images

52. English Cocker Spaniels • The English cocker spaniel is a compact dog with a silk coat that comes in striking colors and patterns. It is famous for its mellow personality and its ability to flush out and retrieve gamebirds. The English cocker spaniel is larger than its cousin, the U.S. cocker spaniel. Kesu01 / Getty Images

51. Bullmastiffs • As the name suggests, the bullmastiff is the result of bulldog and mastiff crosses. It was bred to guard country estates and game preserves from poachers. It is large, tipping the scale at up to 130 pounds, and is powerful and intimidating. The bullmastiff requires careful training. White_bcgrd / Getty Images

50. Portuguese Water Dogs • Described as medium sized and robust by the AKC, this breed has an advantage above the other water-loving pups — a waterproof coat. Easily the most well-known of the breed is former “first dog” Bo, who belongs to President Barack Obama and his family. suefeldberg / Getty Images

49. Bloodhounds • The bloodhound is famous for its sense of smell and tracking ability. The breed is used by police forces around the world to find missing people and escaped prisoners. It is instantly recognizable because of its wrinkled face and large drooping ears. Unfortunately, the bloodhound is one of the shortest-lived dog breeds at seven to nine years. mikedabell / Getty Images

48. St. Bernards • Named after a monk who aided pilgrims crossing the Alps on their way to Rome, the St. Bernard is famous as a rescue dog. It is very big — males can weigh up to 180 pounds — and very strong, but it has a very gentle and winning expression. Unfortunately, it has a relatively short life expectancy of eight to 10 years. dennismesias / Getty Images

47. Akitas • The Akita is a large, powerful breed that originated in Japan. Two distinguishing features are its trademark: its curling tail and its alert expression. It is wary of strangers, has little tolerance for other animals and is protective of its owners. TaynaPanova / Getty Images

46. Bichon Frises • Bichon frise translates into English as curly dog. This breed’s most distinctive feature is its white coat, which accentuates its dark, inquisitive eyes. It has been described as a fluff ball of a dog and as a canine comedian, reflecting its winning personality. tirc83 / Getty Images

45. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers • The Chesapeake Bay retriever is the official State Dog of Maryland, its home state. This family-oriented dog has a waterproof coat that’s oily to the touch. It’s protective of its owners and is determined, making it a great watchdog. KKIDD / Getty Images

44. Shiba Inu • The shiba inu originated in Japan and is a muscular dog that was once used as a hunter. It is that country’s oldest, smallest and most popular breed. The shiba inu was first brought to the United States after World War II. irontrybex / Getty Images

43. Belgian Malinois • This dog was bred to herd livestock around the Belgian city of Malines. It is versatile and hard working and is also used as a military and police dog. It makes for a great pet but needs more exercise than most dogs. Pixabay

42. West Highland White Terriers • Known as the Westie, this breed originated as a hunting dog in Scotland, where the tenacious dog pursued vermin. The dog has retained a strong prey instinct. It has an all-white double coat and an inquisitive expression. It is smart, independent, and energetic, and needs careful training and lots of exercise. natenn / Getty Images

41. Rhodesian Ridgebacks • The Rhodesian ridgeback is named for its land of origin, now Zimbabwe and Zambia, and for the distinctive ridge that runs along its back, which is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. Bred to hunt lions, but not kill them, it’s an imposing looking dog. They are devoted to family and affectionate toward children. AsyaPozniak / Getty Images

40. Newfoundlands • Newfoundlands were originally bred as working dogs for fishermen in the Canadian province after which they are named. Newfoundlands are big, strong, loyal and excellent swimmers, with lifesaving instincts in the water. The breed is easy to train and eager to please. It is an excellent companion and is even referred to as “the nanny dog.” Novelist J.M. Barrie specified that the beloved “Nana” in “Peter Pan” was a Newfoundland. SvetaElfimova / Getty Images

39. Basset Hounds • Originally bred in France, the basset hound is known for its droopy features, hunting ability and keen sense of smell, which is second only to that of its cousin, the bloodhound. Bassets are great with kids, and, despite their size, they think of themselves as lap dogs. dageldog / iStock

38. Collies • Collies have tremendous herding abilities and protective instincts, as generations who have seen Lassie in films and on television know. They are strong, loyal, affectionate, and elegant dogs and respond well to training. Collies are a good fit for families with an active lifestyle, and they can thrive in the city as well as in the country. – An earlier version of this gallery used an incorrect image. Mary Altaffer, AP

37. Maltese • The Maltese is an ancient breed — images of Maltese can be found on Egyptian artifacts — and a classic lapdog. It’s small, like the island from which it got its name, dainty and proud. It also has a fairly long life expectancy — up to 15 years — and a reputation for being affectionate and perky. Utenzilije / Getty Images

36. Weimaraners • The Weimaraner is named after the German city of Weimar, where it was bred as a hunting and retrieving dog. It has distinctive silver-gray coloration and bright blue eyes. The Weimaraner is an excellent pet known for its friendliness and obedience, but it needs to be kept active. Thinstock

35. Border Collies • The border collie is widely considered to be the most intelligent dog breed. In fact, it was bred for its intelligence and obedience and herding abilities. It is trainable and has protective instincts. However, it also needs more physical exercise and mental stimulation than many other breeds. Ocskaymark / Getty Images

34. Miniature American Shepherds • The miniature American shepherd was developed in California in the 1960s and was originally called the miniature Australian shepherd. It has been used to herd small stock such as sheep and goats, and its own small size and temperament makes it a good household pet and travel companion. samuel foster / Getty Images

33. Chihuahuas • Originating in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, these dogs are intelligent, loyal and loving — but they are distrustful of strangers. Because they were bred for a warm climate, they don’t do well in the cold. Their tiny size makes them easy to carry around. MirasWonderland / Getty Images

32. Cane Corso • Originating in Italy and bred as guard dogs, Cane Corso are described by the AKC as “peerless protectors.” Notwithstanding their intimidating appearance — they are among the biggest dogs in the world (100 pounds for males) — Cane Corso are also intelligent, loyal and docile in the company of their owners. DevidDO / iStock

31. Vizslas • Also referred to as the Hungarian pointer, there are depictions of the Vizsla being used as hunting dogs from the early 10th century, when Magyar tribes invaded Central Europe. Tomas Maracek / Getty Images

30. Cocker Spaniels • The cocker spaniel is the smallest of the sporting dogs and packs a lot of cuteness into a small package. With a handsome face, big soulful eyes and a tail that wags the dog, it’s no surprise it always does well in the AKC popularity rankings. Iurii / Getty Images

29. Mastiffs • Mastiffs weigh up to 230 pounds and are a massive breed developed to guard livestock. There are also accounts of them being used for entertainment as fighting dogs in ancient Roman arenas, where they were pitted against lions and tigers. Despite their fierce history, mastiffs are good-natured dogs and surprisingly docile. Okikukai / iStock

28. Pugs • Pugs have a lot of personality in a small package, and they like attention and affection. They are intuitive dogs and sensitive to the moods of their owners, which makes them good companions. They can be strong-willed but are not aggressive. They like to play with children, but some supervision may be needed. LexiTheMonster / iStock

27. English Springer Spaniels • This breed is named for its hunting style — it “springs” birds, flushing them into the air, and then points and retrieves them. As well as being a great hunter, it is a friendly and playful pet and considered a buddy of hunters. English springer spaniels are highly trainable and bred to work with humans. Tuned_In / Getty Images

26. Brittanys • Brittanys gets their name from their native French province. According to the AKC, the Brittany didn’t officially become recognized as a breed until 1907, when an orange and white colored pup named Boy in France was registered as the first Brittany spaniel. Prior to this point, the breed was registered as one of many miscellaneous French spaniels. Thinkstock

25. Shetland Sheepdogs • This breed was originally bred to tend the small sheep of the Shetland Islands northeast of Great Britain. Because of their intelligence, Shetland sheepdogs are quick to understand and obey commands. While it’s loyal and affectionate, which makes it a great pet, it also tends to be reserved toward strangers, which makes it a great watchdog. yanjf / iStock

24. Havanese • The Havanese, as its name might suggest, is the national dog of Cuba. It’s small and sociable. A distinguishing feature is its long, silky coat. The Havanese has a long life expectancy of up to 16 years and manages to look like a puppy — even when it has an old-man beard. Dorottya_Mathe / iStock

23. Pomeranians • The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz breeds, weighing 3 pounds to 7 pounds. It was made popular by Queen Victoria, who was smitten by its puppy qualities. She had as many as 35 Pomeranians in her kennels and died with one by her side. tsik / iStock

22. Bernese Mountain Dogs • The Bernese mountain dog hails from the Swiss Alps. It was used to herd cattle and haul carts filled with farm produce. The Bernese was the perfect fit for such work because of its muscular build and was known to haul loads weighing more than 1,000 pounds. antares71 / Getty Images

21. Boston Terriers • Just as Boston is a historic city with a young population, this dog is a relatively old breed with a young heart. Nicknamed “The American Gentleman,” it’s compact and classy. It excels at canine sports and is eager to please and is popular as a therapy dog. chuckcollier / Getty Images

20. Shih Tzu • Shih tzus originated in China many centuries ago. Although diminutive in size, they take their name from the Mandarin word for lion. They began appearing in the United States after World War II, when veterans brought them back to America, and they were recognized by the AKC in 1969. They have a long flowing coat and a proud bearing. chaoss / Shutterstock.com

19. Miniature Schnauzers • In the United States, the miniature schnauzer is treated differently from other schnauzer breeds in that it is not classified as a working dog and is judged as a terrier. It is intelligent and alert, which makes it a good watchdog, and it excels in obedience trials and agility competitions. The miniature’s eyebrows and beard make it easily recognizable. olgaIT / iStock

18. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels • This breed has been popular since the days of King Charles II in the 17th century. It is small for a spaniel and goes through its puppy stage slowly, staying frisky even when older. It also has big eyes and a big heart. Bigandt_Photography / iStock

17. Doberman Pinschers • The Doberman pinscher was first bred in Germany in the mid-1800s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector. He wanted a dog to protect him in his sometimes dangerous line of work. As well as being one of the smartest breeds, the Doberman ranks high in obedience and trainability. This makes the animal popular with police and military forces around the world. OlgaOvcharenko / Shutterstock.com

16. Great Danes • The Great Dane was developed in Germany as a boar hound, its long ears often left shredded by the sharp tusks of the wild boar. Today’s great Danes lead much less hazardous lives and can make for great pets. They are dependable, patient and friendly. But as their name implies, they are huge. Standing on its hind legs, a great Dane can be taller than its owner and weigh up to 200 pounds. RalfWeigel / Getty Images

15. Australian Shepherds • The Australian shepherd is a very cosmopolitan dog. It started out in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, was brought to Australia to herd sheep, and then became popular with U.S. ranchers, who thought it originated down under — hence the name. It is an intelligent breed with a strong herding instinct and work ethic. Ksuksa / Getty Images

14. Siberian Huskies • Bred as a sled dog, the Siberian husky is known for its endurance. Huskies have a great work ethic and love to run, preferring that to walking. In fact, the husky is so energetic that it has to be kept leashed or it will run away. SVPhilon / iStock

13. Pembroke Welsh Corgis • The Pembroke Welsh corgi is popular with English royalty as well as American pet owners — it’s Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite. The corgi is a working dog, strong and athletic. And despite its little legs, it excels at many sports. The corgi is an easy pet to have, and its weatherproof short coat needs little maintenance. Laures / Getty Images

12. Dachshunds • The dachshund was developed in Germany centuries ago to hunt badgers — its short legs and long body make it good at below-ground work. The dachshund is intelligent and should be kept busy or it will get bored. It comes in miniature or standard size and can have a smooth, wirehaired or long-haired coat. Liliya Kulianionak / iStock

11. Boxers • Although it was recognized by the AKC in 1904, the boxer did not really gain popularity in the U.S. until after World War II, when returning soldiers brought the dogs home with them from Europe. Moires / Wikimedia Commons

10. Yorkshire Terriers • The Yorkshire terrier’s confidence and courage make it a good pet to keep in bustling cities, and those qualities have earned the dog the nickname “the tomboy toy.” It is also known for its beautiful silky coat, which has a texture similar to human hair. The Yorkshire terrier requires a lot of care and attention. Watcha / iStock

9. German Shorthaired Pointers • The German shorthaired pointer is a great gundog and a great pet, although it likes a lot of exercise. It is a natural retriever on land and water, and is one of the finest swimming dogs, aided by webbed feet. jjMiller11 / Getty Images

8. Rottweilers • The Rottweiler is one of the oldest working breeds and may have been herding livestock since the days of the Roman Empire. The breed combines intelligence, strength and endurance. Unfortunately, the Rottweiler has sometimes been portrayed in the media as aggressive, but according to the AKC, it is “a calm, confident and courageous dog.” Grigorita Ko / Shutterstock.com

7. Poodles • Poodles come in three sizes — standard, miniature and toy — and a variety of solid colors. They are smart and eager to please. They are also energetic and are good runners and swimmers. They require regular clipping and grooming of their hypoallergenic coat. paylessimages / iStock

6. Beagles • Bred to live and work in packs, beagles are sociable dogs and like the company of their human families, as well as other dogs. They are scent dogs, which can sometimes get them into trouble and means they should not be left off-leash unless in a secured area. Kostyazar / iStock

5. Bulldogs • The bulldog has long been associated with British culture, but it’s also one of the most popular breeds in America. Its name belies a friendly personality and gentle disposition. apomares / Getty Images

4. French Bulldogs • Contrary to its name, the French bulldog actually came to prominence in Nottingham, England — not France. This sturdy little dog with their bat-like ears is playful, good with small children and intelligent. It doesn’t need much exercise or grooming but shouldn’t be left alone for long as it can suffer from separation anxiety. Like other “flat-faced” breeds, the French bulldog is prone to snoring. ozgurdonmaz / Getty Images

3. Golden Retrievers • Golden retrievers aren’t just intelligent, they are hard workers, too. They are often used as guide dogs, in search and rescue and — as their name suggests — for hunting. Their many other endearing characteristics, including patience and playfulness, make them great pets. Capuski / Getty Images

2. German Shepherd Dogs • The German shepherd is the second most popular dog in the U.S., but is the first choice for many roles because of its intelligence, trainability and obedience. German shepherds are used for disability assistance, search and rescue and as police dogs. Legolin / iStock

1. Labrador Retrievers • The Labrador retriever has topped the AKC’s list of most popular breeds in the U.S. since 1991. Labs are friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are also one of the most sought-after breeds for challenging work, whether as guide dogs or for search and rescue. When lives are in danger, you want a dog that is smart and dependable. sanjagrujic / Getty Images